[Prognosis and treatment of burns in elderly patients]

In a retrospective study victims of burn accidents over 65 years of age were analysed. The total number was 40, with an average age of 77 years. In 95% the burns were caused by accidents at home such as residential fires, highly inflammable clothing and scalds from hot showers. Patients were admitted late to hospital on average after 4.4 days, combined with a wound infection rate of 50% by this time. Of these 81.1% showed severe additional diseases. The letality rate was 24%, almost in every case caused by additional cardiopulmonary disease. A total of 95% were able to return to their previous home after treatment. The focus was on prevention by means of smoke-detectors and hotwater thermostats.